About
Vision
To reach the time when all medical practitioners and dentists in Seychelles serve all members of the public in their care with the highest degree of professionalism and compassion and achieve the best possible care outcome for all.
Mission
To register medical practitioners and dentists in Seychelles, to oversee their professional conduct and competence and to ensure and facilitate their continuous professional education and development, in the best interest of the public.
Core Values
Fairness towards all
Honesty and transparency
Commitment to the notion that prevention is better than cure
Commitment to clinical care excellence and evidence-based practice
Commitment to teaching and learning
Commitment to clinical and public health research and dissemination of research findings
The Board
Meet the Board Members of the Council.
Chairperson
Dr. Bernard Valentin
Dr Bernard Valentin holds a first degree in general medical practice from Athens University, Greece, and a Master’s degree with distinction in health services management from the University of Manchester in the UK. This is Dr Valentin’s second tenure as Chairperson of SMDC.
He has held various high positions in the local and international health sector, including serving on the Executive Board of the World Health Organisation for three years.
In the late 1990s, Dr Bernard Valentin served, for one term, in the National Assembly of Seychelles as an elected member of that body.
Dr Valentin has written three Creole novels ‒ Lema Paviyon, published by Lenstiti Kreol in 2012; Lasapel Lanz Nikola (Grand Prize Literary Competition Antoine Abel 2011-2013); and Moulouk Darmalinganm (First Prize Literary Competition Antoine Abel 2014-2016).
Registrar
Dr. Susan Fock Tave
Dr Susan Fock Tave holds a degree in General Medicine from the University of Leipzig and is a certified Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgeon. She practiced as an ENT surgeon for 13 years before transitioning to the roles of Principal Medical Officer and later Chief Medical Officer, a position she has held since 2016. Dr Fock Tave served on the WHO AFRO Programmes Subcommittee for three years.
She has ten years of experience in professional self-regulation, beginning with her appointment to the Medical and Dental Council in 2015. She continues to sit on the council as Chief Medical Officer and currently acts as part-time registrar.
Dr. Tazio Tournier
Dr Tazio Tournier is a dentist with 26 years of experience. He has been a member of the Seychelles Medical and Dental Council for the past six years. Dr Tournier has dedicated his career to maintaining the highest standards of patient care, professional ethics, and medical excellence. His motivation for sitting on the Council arises from a strong commitment to improving the medical and dental professions in Seychelles. He firmly believes that through collaboration, transparency, and ongoing professional development, we can further strengthen the healthcare system.
Dr Sanjeev Pugazhendhi
Dr Sanjeev Pugazhendhi holds an MBBS and a Master’s in Global Health and Management. He currently heads the Policy, Planning, and Statistics Unit at the Ministry of Health. His early years in intensive care as a medical officer provided him with firsthand insight into major health issues and systemic challenges, such as shortfalls in practice and the cost of healthcare.
Drawing on his clinical and administrative experience, he is well equipped to address both current and future health sector challenges.
Sasikumar Subramanian
Dr Sasikumar Subramanian is a seasoned dental professional with over 21 years of experience in Seychelles’ public health system. Currently serving as Senior Dental Officer for the North region and a former member of the Seychelles Medical and Dental Council, Dr Sasikumar is dedicated to advancing dental care and professional standards in Seychelles. Known for his collaborative approach and commitment to effective healthcare strategies, he is passionate about contributing to the ongoing improvement of the nation’s medical and dental services.
Dr. Vivianne Camille
Dr. Vivianne Camille is a Senior Medical Officer with the Ministry of Health in Seychelles and holds a Master’s degree in Family Medicine. She serves as the National Coordinator for SEY-PEN, leading a multidisciplinary team focused on strengthening primary healthcare services for non-communicable diseases. Her work includes implementing national guidelines for hypertension and diabetes, capacity-building for healthcare providers, and advancing patient-centred, evidence-based care across the country.